Debug AP/AR Netting Issues

on Monday, November 1, 2010

The first and foremost step to ensure that the netting process does not error out is to check the following pre-requisites.
Ensure that all the setups pertaining to Netting are in place.
Ensure that all the packages related to FUN% are Valid and none are in Invalid Status. Once can use the below mentioned SQL to identify the netting related Invalid objects:

          SELECT object_name, object_type, owner, status
          FROM dba_objects
          WHERE status = 'INVALID'
          AND object_name LIKE 'FUN%'’

There are a few known issues with Netting. The error is normally encountered while submitting the “Create Netting Batch” process or while running the “Submit Netting Batch” concurrent program.
Once either of these concurrent program errors out, check the log file from the Submit Concurrent Program window. Normally, the log file will give a generic message as ‘Unable to Create AR Receipt’ or ‘Error applying a Receipt’.
The cause of the issue will be normally based on some wrong setups or some invalid value passed via the Netting Agreement.

STEP1

The first step in the process of identifying the issue is by getting the debug log file. The debug messages from Netting will give a clear cut idea as of which place the program fails. Once the debug file is reviewed, the cause of the issue will normally be quite clear.
If the debug file does not give much information (Normally, the debug file will give the actual error), then resort to the second step.

STEP 2

The second step in debugging the issue is to get the version of the file ‘FUNNTTXB.pls’. We can use the below mentioned command to get the version of the file.

          cd $FUN_TOP/patch/115/sql
          Strings –a ‘FUNNTTXB.pls’ |grep ‘$Header’

Ensure that this file is on the current highest version available via metalink. Apply the patch to get to the latest version if you are not at the highest level.
If a Netting Batch is stuck in Error, it is normally not possible to change the status, in such cases, you can resort to a datafix by deleting the netting batch from the Backend.

STEP 3

Another issue which normally happens with Netting is the creation of another Receipt Method, AP/AR Netting(1) by the application of some of the Netting related Patches. This can be fixed with the help of a Datafix.
Please see the steps mentioned below to perform a Datafix once you are able to identify the existence of another Receipt method ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’.
By default, the Receipt method for Netting is ‘AP/AR Netting’ and the id associated with it is ‘-1’. The below mentioned datafix will remove the ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’ and will replace the id of ‘AP/AR Netting’ as –1. Also, it will remove the reference of ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’ from the dependent tables.

The datafix is as below:

          --Backup

          CREATE TABLE receipt_class_bkp2 AS
          SELECT *
          FROM ar_receipt_classes
          WHERE receipt_class_id = -1;


          CREATE TABLE receipt_method_bkp2 AS
          SELECT *
          FROM ar_receipt_methods
          WHERE receipt_method_id = -1;

          CREATE TABLE rec_method_acct_bkp2 AS
          SELECT *
          FROM ar_receipt_method_accounts_all
          WHERE receipt_method_id = -1

          --Delete

          DELETE FROM ar_receipt_classes
          WHERE receipt_class_id = -1;

          DELETE FROM ar_receipt_methods
          WHERE receipt_method_id = -1;

          DELETE FROM ar_receipt_method_accounts_all
          WHERE receipt_method_id = -1;

          COMMIT;

          --Update

          UPDATE ar_receipt_methods
          SET name = 'AP/AR Netting',
          receipt_method_id = -1,
          receipt_class_id = -1
          WHERE receipt_method_id = 1;

          UPDATE ar_receipt_method_accounts_all
          SET receipt_method_id = -1
          WHERE receipt_method_id = 1;

          UPDATE ar_receipt_classes
          SET receipt_class_id = -1
          WHERE receipt_class_id = 1

          COMMIT;

This will ensure that you do not have any occurrence of ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’ in the instance.
Now, the next step is to identify any receipt with the ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’ in the receipt tables.
We can use the below mentioned query to identify the same.

          SELECT cash_receipt_id,
          receipt_number
          FROM ar_cash_receipts_all
          WHERE receipt_method_id = 1;

If this returns any rows, then probably the receipt will have Receipt Method as ‘AP/AR Netting(1)’.

In order to rectify this receipt, perform the below mentioned datafix.

          --Backup

          CREATE TABLE bkup_tbl_cr_method AS
          SELECT *
          FROM ar_cash_receipts_all
          WHERE cash_receipt_id IN
          (SELECT cash_receipt_id
          FROM ar_cash_receipts_all
          WHERE receipt_method_id = 1);

          --Update

          UPDATE ar_cash_receipts_all
          SET receipt_method_id = -1
          WHERE cash_receipt_id IN
          (SELECT cash_receipt_id
          FROM ar_cash_receipts_all
          WHERE receipt_method_id = 1);

          COMMIT;

This should rectify all the receipts.
Most of the issues with Netting will get resolved once the above steps are followed. If you are still not able to resolve the issue, then log an SR with Oracle Support.

Overview of Oracle Warehouse System (WMS)

on Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Oracle Warehouse Management System (WMS) is advanced inventory module with lot of unique features that improves productivity of distribution centers, manufacturing or inventory handling facilities. Oracle WMS supports manual data entry, bar code readers scanning for data entry as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanning. WMS can be enabled at Inventory organization level.

Key business processes supported by Oracle WMS:
  • Inbound Logistics (Receiving, supplier returns, corrections)
  • Stocking and internal inventory movements
  • WIP Job assembly completion, component issues
  • Outbound Logistics (pickimg, packing, shipping)
  • Reverse logistics (customer returns)
License Plate Numbers (LPN) LPN is an object carries the location where it is residing and items that are holding. LPN need not be a physical object, it could be logical grouping. LPN simpley a group of items represented systematically. The major advantage of LPN is less number of transactions. Entire LPN can be transacted at once instead of by each line that LPN holds.
Material Status This is one of the beautiful features of WMS, you can assign status to an item, lot or serial number. Each status is defined with a list of permissble transactions. Eg. if you have status called ‘No Sale’ and set the rules such that shipping is not allowed but all other internal inventory movements are allowed. Material status can enforce this kind of business rules.
Label printing WMS partially supports this fucntionality. You can define label formats and fields (data) needed, you can associate this with WMS rules to print the label automatically. WMS can generate xml output, but you need a 3rd party label printing/formatting tool to actually print.
Cost groups This is another major functionality offered by WMS module. In standard Inventory module Inventory valuation accounts are derived by subinventory setups. In WMS based on cost group rules you can have different valuations independent of subinventories.
Putaway Rules When a matrial is received you need to receive into stock. In a major distribution center it is often complex to know where to store the material. WMS offers putaway rules that can be setup based son business criteria. Eg. If all hazarad material categy must be received into hazardous area then putaway rules can be setup.
WMS Rules engine WMS rules engine enforces the rules defined for putaway, cost group or label printing. You can simulate the results based on set of rules defined.

Overview of Demantra Demand Management

on Monday, October 25, 2010

Demantra is a recent acquisition of Oracle, since then Oracle is strategically positioning Demantra in place of Oracle Demand Planning module that was earlier developed by Oracle. 
Demand Management covers forecasting of demand using statistical techniques and sales and operations planning to facilitate consensus demand and supply planning. Demand Management consist of three modules that can be licensed and implemented separately.
  • Demand Management (DM)
  • Advanced Forecasting & Demand Modeling (AFDM)
  • Real-Time Sales and Operations Planning (RTSOP)

Demantra Demand Management
Demand management helps in understanding historical demand and predicting the future demand. Demand management cycle consists of
  • Collecting historical data
  • Generating forecast
  • Review and approve forecast
  • Publish the forecast
  • Analyze the forecast accuracy
Demantra Advanced Forecasting & Demand Modeling This is extended module for demantra demand management. It supports six more forecasting methods listed below
  • Auto and Linear Regression (ARIX)
  • Auto Regressive Logistic (ARLOGISTIC)
  • Dual Multiplicative Linear Regression (DMULT)
  • Multiplicative Monte Carlo Regression for Intermittent
  • Multiplicative Monte Carlo Regression for Logistic (LOGISTIC)
  • Multiplicative Monte Carlo Regression for Modified Ridge Regression (MRIDGE)
Demantra Real-Time Sales & Operations Planning Sales and Operations Planning brings different functions to collaborate in business demand and supply and operational planning. It consists of four critical steps
  • Demand Review
  • Supply Review
  • Finance Review
  • Executive Review